Chapter 37
Tauriel entered the Great Hall on Kíli's arm. Their guests waited on their arrival, the table already full. She noted that the dwarrowdams made up a little less than half the seated guests, quite a feat given how few lived in Erebor.
She'd learned that many dwarrow had left their wives and daughters in Ered Luin to ensure they could build them a suitable home first.
She let her hand drop to her belly as they made their way to their seats. Kíli's wish of showing her his home after their daughter's arrival seemed two-fold now. He could lead the rest of his, no, their people home.
The feast wasn't grand, yet it was the best they could offer. She could see the kitchen staff wheeling carts laden with steaming plates. Sage rubbed roasted squab stuffed with ramps, wild mushrooms and hazelnuts, and garnished with roasted wild turnips, rutabagas, and garlic cloves along with soft rolls and fresh churned butter.
Tauriel found the number of birds presented alarming. She was aware that coops held many captured local doves for breading stock. "Are there any of the birds left?" She whispered in Kíli's ear.
He bowed his head. "By the count on the plates, ten birds. Hopefully paired. It will be a long while before squab is served again."
"Was this wise?"
"I suppose we could've served the Emissary of another Kingdom, eggs, porridge, and sausages for dinner. As it seems to be what we have left." He frowned. "The fishing is poor this summer according to Dale. Smaug's carcass seems to have made many fish sick."
"Did they not bring food to sell us?"
"Aye. The bargain is yet to be struck. We've only inspected the goods." Kíli sighed. "What they bring won't improve on what we're currently eating, though it will keep us from starving this winter. We need to hunt large game for meat."
"Why didn't we at least serve only half a bird each?"
"That, I intend to find out."
Kíli continued to lead her to their seats. Their two guests sat to their left after Dís. They stood, along with all in attendance, as they approached the table. "Master Runulf, I present to you my wife, Queen Tauriel."
The elder man inclined his head. "It is an honor to be introduced. Highness, you are lovely."
Tauriel could see Kíli's grin spread across his face. "Tauriel, this gentleman is Master Runulf, sent here by King Fengel of Rohan."
"Master Runulf, thank you and welcome." Tauriel smiled and gave a slight nod as she greeted their guest.
Runulf turned to the younger man with him. "And may I present to the King and Queen of Erebor, my son, Hauk."
"Welcome, young Hauk, to Erebor." Kíli greeted the adolescent.
"Thank you, Majesty."
Tauriel let Kíli guide her into her seat. Playing at courtly politics rankled her, but she understood appearances held weight.
Grund stood by to aid Kíli as he took his own seat. Once seated, Grund took Kíli's cane from him. "Please, everyone, be seated."
The assembled guests took their seats as servers started to place the plates before them. Other servants poured ale into the tankards.
"A fine table you set, Majesty." Runulf lifted his tankard towards Kíli.
"This is meager and the best we can offer, for now." Kíli sighed.
"And we appreciate the gesture, Majesty." Runulf nodded. "I hope we can settle negotiations on the morrow."
"We could settle them tonight."
Tauriel watched her husband and the Emissary interact as she savored the fresh meat. Kíli was right. Most of their food of late was porridge, with a few eggs or a sausage at one of the meals. If they were lucky, possibly a bit of rabbit or squirrel found its way into a broth with onions and drop dumplings.
"For this shipment, we'd like to counter offer 500 pieces." Kíli offered after a bite of squab.
Runulf chuckled. "Ah, so it begins. 750."
Kíli shook his head. "Still too high, 550."
"And still too low, Majesty." Runulf raised an eyebrow. "You've done this before."
"Aye."
"725."
Kíli took a long draught of his ale before counter offering. "575."
"700." Runulf countered before taking a bite of bread.
Kíli shook his head. "600."
"675."
Kíli took a few more bites. Tauriel could see he was thinking. "625."
Runulf shook his head. "The offer stands at 675."
Kíli leaned back in his chair and regarded Runulf. "600 this shipment and a trade agreement for the future."
"What do you offer, Majesty?"
"What metal work might we be able to provide?"
"Blades and armor. Including for our horses." Runulf leaned forward. "What future supplies do you wish?"
"It will be a few years before we can have mature orchards, and much needs to be done to the land Smaug damaged before we grow much in grains or produce. So, for at least the next few years, much of what you brought. We won't need the honey next year."
"And after those few years?"
"If you could continue to broker the salt with the south on our behalf that would be good. We can bargain a list each year based on our mutual needs after three years."
"Sounds fair."
"Splendid! We'll meet in the morning to draft and sign the documents."
Dinner continued with happy chatter. Soon bowls of fresh berries in cream replaced empty plates. As simple a meal they ate tonight, it seemed as much a feast as her first night in Erebor and the night they dined with Thranduil and Bard and his family.
It occurred to Tauriel, that this simple fair is what they should be eating for supper. When she thought on it, both she and Braita often had a bit of extra egg or sausage than the rest. Erebor may be full of riches, but for now, they ate as paupers.
The rumors she'd heard that the other dwarrowdams of childbearing age took herbs to forestall their cycles started to make sense. Tears slipped unbidden down her face.
Kíli turned to her. "Amrâlimê?"
"I am sorry." She tried to smile.
He brushed the tears from her face and glanced over at Dís, his eyes pleading.
Dís chuckled. "Aye, my son, this too is normal."
Tauriel turned to Dís. "It is?"
"Being overly emotional, yes." Dís gave Tauriel's hand a squeeze.
A broad smile appeared on Runulf's face. "Many blessings to you and your Queen, Majesty. A babe on the way is a blessing!"
A/N: Well finishing up another chapter before heading out to work. And on my birthday no less! Happy reading everyone.
Thank you to Starlitmoons for following.
Neni